Impressions of daily life in Japan
There is a Thai restaurant in Toyota City called 'Golden Shower', I kid you not. We were a little apprehensive when we first saw the place, as no doubt there are many places in Japan where one might go for an actual golden shower. But after a closer inspection it seems like this is just... Continue Reading →
Winter is in full swing in Japan and it is cold! While the average daily maximum temperature for the Nagoya region in January is 9°C (according to the Japan Meteorological Agency), this year has been particularly cold with many days where the temperature doesn't go above 3 or 4° C. Japanese homes, unlike Belgian ones,... Continue Reading →
During the summer festivals it is customary to wear a summer kimono, called 'yukata'. The past few years this old custom has regained popularity among young people. Oftentimes they give their own twist to the look. Like these four guys, doing their best to look badass:
Anyone who has lived in the Toyota City center or has visited Toyota City will know the characteristic sound of 'The Mochi Mobile'. It's a little van that drives around the city while blasting it's characteristic song from a megaphone. This is what it sounds like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyjU2aurzHQ&feature=youtu.be I've heard the wildest theories about the significance... Continue Reading →
It was quite exciting to spend New Year in Japan. I was very curious about Japanese New Year rituals and we tried participating in as many as possible. Our Japanese New Year experience began on New Year's Eve with a popular TV show called 'Kōhaku Uta Gassen' (on the channel NHK). It features spectacular performances... Continue Reading →
For New Years Eve dinner we decided to make 'yosenabe', a simmered dish containing many different ingredients. It was a first so I was a little worried how it would turn out. But overall I'm very happy with the result. Real wholesome winter food!
The Japans 